From the Research
Soccer players with groin injuries may develop lumps in the upper pelvis groin region due to several potential causes, including sports hernias, enlarged lymph nodes, hematomas, thrombophlebitis, or inguinal hernias, as reported in a recent study 1. The development of lumps in the upper pelvis groin region in soccer players with groin injuries can be attributed to various factors, including:
- Sports hernias (athletic pubalgia), where repetitive strain causes weakening of the abdominal wall, leading to bulging tissue
- Enlarged lymph nodes responding to infection or inflammation from the injury
- Traumatic injuries causing hematomas (blood collections) that present as lumps
- Thrombophlebitis (inflammation of veins with clot formation) from repetitive trauma
- Inguinal hernias where abdominal contents protrude through a weakened area A study published in 2025 1 highlights the importance of understanding the anatomy, clinical presentation, biomechanics, pathology, and imaging findings associated with groin pain in soccer players. The treatment of these lumps depends on the specific cause, but typically includes:
- Rest, ice, compression, and anti-inflammatory medications for minor cases
- Physical therapy, specialized rehabilitation exercises, or surgical intervention for more severe cases It is essential for players to seek medical evaluation for persistent lumps to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment, as proper diagnosis is crucial for effective management and preventing long-term complications, as emphasized in a study from 2019 2. Additionally, a study from 2018 3 found that a history of previous groin injury is associated with current severe groin symptoms, and general injury sustained in the previous season is a risk factor for groin injury. Overall, the development of lumps in the upper pelvis groin region in soccer players with groin injuries requires prompt medical attention to prevent long-term complications and ensure effective management.